Thai ‘wizard’ held after ‘bulletproof’ tattoo brawls

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BANGKOK—A “sorcerer” tattooist has been arrested in northeastern Thailand after several brawls involving his disciples who believed his body art made them invincible, police said Tuesday.

Boonyong Luangjumpol was held for possession of guns after officers raided his home following a spate of fights in the province of Kalasin, local police chief Major General Kanisorn Noinard told AFP.

He said the 29-year-old was renowned in the area for creating love potions, as well as his sideline in tattoos which teenage followers believed could protect them from gunshot or knife wounds.

“Police arrested the teenagers and asked them why they fought. They said they were tattooed because they believed it would make them invincible and wanted to test whether it works or not… they used sticks and knives, but guns are rarely seen in the brawls,” Kanisorn said.

When asked if the fights had injured any of the followers, he said “every single one” was hurt.

Police decided to conduct the raid because of the links to the brawls, which tended to occur after Buddhist festivals, Kanisorn added. They found several guns and machetes at Boonyong’s home, he said.